Inequalities in the spatial concentration of agricultural crops among the micro- and mesoregions of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

The present research aimed to map and estimate the spatial autocorrelation of agricultural crops of coffee, corn, soybeans, sugarcane and beans in the state of Minas Gerais and analyzed in the period from 2011 to 2015. The planted area data were obtained of the Systematic Survey of Agricultural Production - IBGE. The Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis model was used to calculate spatial autocorrelation using the Global and Local Moran Index. Significant spatial self-correction was reported in all studied cultures (P-value <0.05). The regions with the highest concentration of planted area are located in the western portion of the state. The least significant planting regions were the municipalities located in the Jequitinhonha and Vale do Mucuri regions. The results pointed to a micro and mesoregional inequality in the distribution of agricultural activities in the mining territory that seems to reflect the incomplete agricultural modernization process that occurred in the state in the 70 s and 80 s.